Vapor-generating systems

ABSTRACT

A vapor-generating system includes a cartridge, a vapor-generating device and a piercing element. The cartridge includes a cartridge housing configured to hold a solid vapor-forming substrate within the cartridge housing interior, a liquid storage housing configured to hold a liquid vapor-forming substrate within the liquid storage housing interior, and a frangible seal on the liquid storage housing. The vapor-generating device includes a device housing at least partially defining a cavity, an electric heater, and a power supply. The piercing element is configured to pierce the frangible seal of the cartridge to expose the liquid storage housing interior to be in fluid communication with the electric heater based on the vapor-generating device coupling with the cartridge such that the device housing at least partially receives the cartridge into the cavity. The electric heater is located externally from the piercing element.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/846,610, filed Dec. 19, 2017, which is a continuation of, and claimspriority to, international application no. PCT/EP2017/082276, filed onDec. 11, 2017, and further claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 toEuropean Patent Application No. 16205118.9, filed on Dec. 19, 2016, theentire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND Field

Some example embodiments relate to a vapor-generating system. Theinventive concepts apply particularly to an electrically operatedsmoking (“vaping”) system.

Description of Related Art

One type of vapor-generating system (also called an “aerosol-generatingsystem”) is an electrically operated vaping system. Known handheldelectrically operated vaping systems typically comprise avapor-generating device (also called an “aerosol-forming substrate”)comprising a battery, control electronics and an electric heater forheating a vapor-forming substrate (also called an “aerosol-formingsubstrate”). The vapor-forming substrate may be contained within part ofthe vapor-generating device. For example, the vapor-generating devicemay comprise a liquid storage portion in which a liquid vapor-formingsubstrate, such as a nicotine solution, is stored. Such devices, oftenreferred to as ‘e-vapor devices’, typically contain sufficient liquidvapor-forming substrate to provide a number of puffs (e.g., instances ofgenerated vapor) equivalent to consuming multiple cigarettes. In anattempt to provide e-vapor device users (“adult vapers”) with anexperience that more closely simulates the experience of consuming acigarette, some devices combine an e-vapor device configuration with atobacco-based substrate to configure the devices to impart a tobaccoflavor to the vapor generated by the devices. However, such devices maybe impractically large and require the adult vaper to change a tobaccocomponent and a liquid component at different times. It would bedesirable to provide a vapor-generating system that mitigates oreliminates at least some of these problems with known devices.

SUMMARY

According to some example embodiments a aerosol-generating system mayinclude a cartridge, a aerosol-generating device and a piercing element.The cartridge may include a cartridge housing at least partiallydefining a cartridge housing interior. The cartridge housing may beconfigured to hold a solid aerosol-forming substrate within thecartridge housing interior. The cartridge may include a liquid storagehousing within the cartridge housing. The liquid storage housing may atleast partially define a liquid storage housing interior. The liquidstorage housing may be configured to hold a liquid aerosol-formingsubstrate within the liquid storage housing interior. The cartridge mayinclude a frangible seal on the liquid storage housing. Theaerosol-generating device may include a device housing at leastpartially defining a cavity, an electric heater, and a power supply. Theaerosol-generating device may be configured to couple with the cartridgesuch that the device housing at least partially receives the cartridgeinto the cavity. The aerosol-generating device may be configured tosupply power from the power supply to the electric heater. The piercingelement may be configured to pierce the frangible seal of the cartridgeto expose the liquid storage housing interior to be in fluidcommunication with the electric heater based on the device housing atleast partially receiving the cartridge into the cavity. The electricheater may be located externally from the piercing element.

According to some example embodiments the piercing element may include ashaft portion, and a piercing portion at an end of the shaft portion.

According to some example embodiments the piercing portion may have afirst end and a second end, the first end connected to the shaft portionand the second end opposite the first end, and the piercing portion maydecrease in cross-sectional area in a direction from the first end tothe second end.

According to some example embodiments the aerosol-generating device mayinclude the piercing element.

According to some example embodiments the device housing may include ahousing portion at least partially defining an end wall of the cavity,and the piercing element may extend from the end wall of the cavity intothe cavity.

According to some example embodiments the electric heater may be on anouter surface of the piercing element.

According to some example embodiments the electric heater may include aresistive heating coil wound around a portion of the piercing element.

According to some example embodiments the piercing element may be aliquid transfer element configured to contact the liquid aerosol-formingsubstrate based on the device housing at least partially receiving thecartridge into the cavity.

According to some example embodiments the aerosol-generating device mayinclude a base plate within the cavity, the electric heater may be onthe base plate, and the piercing element may extend from the base plateinto the cavity.

According to some example embodiments the aerosol-generating system mayfurther comprise a liquid transfer element on the base plate and incontact with the electric heater. The liquid transfer element may beconfigured to contact the liquid aerosol-forming substrate based on thedevice housing at least partially receiving the cartridge into thecavity.

According to some example embodiments the cartridge may include thepiercing element.

According to some example embodiments the piercing element may beconfigured to slide within the cartridge housing interior relative tothe frangible seal.

According to some example embodiments the cartridge may include a baseplate, and the piercing element may extend from the base plate into thecartridge housing interior.

According to some example embodiments the cartridge may further includea porous carrier material located externally from the liquid storagehousing. The porous carrier material may be located adjacent thefrangible seal.

According to some example embodiments a cartridge for aaerosol-generating system may include a cartridge housing, a liquidstorage housing, and a frangible seal. The cartridge housing may atleast partially define a cartridge housing interior. The cartridgehousing may be configured to store a solid aerosol-forming substratewithin the cartridge housing interior. The cartridge housing may befurther configured to couple with a device housing of aaerosol-generating device such that at least a portion of the cartridgeis inserted into a cavity at least partially defined by the devicehousing of the aerosol-generating device. The liquid storage housing maybe within the cartridge housing. The liquid storage housing may at leastpartially define a liquid storage housing interior. The liquid storagehousing may be configured to store a liquid aerosol-forming substratewithin the liquid storage housing interior. The frangible seal may be onthe liquid storage housing. The frangible seal may be configured to bepierced by a piercing element to expose the liquid storage housinginterior to be in fluid communication with an electric heater of theaerosol-generating device based on the portion of the cartridge beinginserted into the cavity.

According to some example embodiments the cartridge may further includethe piercing element.

According to some example embodiments the piercing element may beconfigured to slide within the cartridge housing interior relative tothe frangible seal.

According to some example embodiments the cartridge may further includea base plate, and the piercing element may extend from the base platetowards the cartridge housing interior.

According to some example embodiments the cartridge may further includea porous carrier material located externally from the liquid storagehousing. The porous carrier material may be located adjacent thefrangible seal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Example embodiments are further described, by way of example only, withreference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a vapor-generating system accordingto some example embodiments of the inventive concepts and with thecartridge separate from the vapor-generating device;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the vapor-generating system of FIG. 1with the cartridge inserted into the vapor-generating device;

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the vapor-generating system ofFIG. 1 with the cartridge separate from the vapor-generating device;

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the vapor-generating system ofFIG. 1 with the cartridge inserted into the vapor-generating device;

FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of the cartridge of the vapor-generatingsystem of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a vapor-generating systemaccording to some example embodiments of the inventive concepts and withthe cartridge separate from the vapor-generating device;

FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the vapor-generating system ofFIG. 6 with the cartridge inserted into the vapor-generating device;

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a vapor-generating systemaccording to some example embodiments of the inventive concepts and withthe cartridge separate from the vapor-generating device; and

FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the vapor-generating system ofFIG. 8 with the cartridge inserted into the vapor-generating device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments will become more readily understood by reference tothe following detailed description of the accompanying drawings. Exampleembodiments may, however, be embodied in many different forms and shouldnot be construed as being limited to the example embodiments set forthherein. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that thisdisclosure will be thorough and complete. Like reference numerals referto like elements throughout the specification.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, thesingular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the pluralforms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It willbe further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,”“includes,” and/or “including,” when used in this specification, specifythe presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, and/orelements, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or moreother features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or groupsthereof.

It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to asbeing “on”, “connected to” or “coupled to” another element or layer, itcan be directly on, connected or coupled to the other element or layeror intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when anelement is referred to as being “directly on”, “directly connected to”or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are nointervening elements or layers present. As used herein, the term“and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of theassociated listed items.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. maybe used herein to describe various elements, regions, layers and/orsections, these elements, regions, layers and/or sections should not belimited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish oneelement, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section.Thus, a first element, region, layer or section discussed below could betermed a second element, region, layer or section without departing fromthe teachings set forth herein.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”,“upper”, and the like, may be used herein for ease of description todescribe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) orfeature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that thespatially relative terms are intended to encompass differentorientations of the device in operation in addition to the orientationdepicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures isturned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elementsor features would then be oriented “above” the other elements orfeatures. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both anorientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented(rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relativedescriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

Some example embodiments are described herein with reference tocross-section illustrations that are schematic illustrations ofidealized embodiments (and intermediate structures). As such, variationsfrom the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, ofmanufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus,these example embodiments should not be construed as limited to theparticular shapes of regions illustrated herein, but are to includedeviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. Forexample, an implanted region illustrated as a rectangle will, typically,have rounded or curved features and/or a gradient of implantconcentration at its edges rather than a binary change from implanted tonon-implanted region. Likewise, a buried region formed by implantationmay result in some implantation in the region between the buried regionand the surface through which the implantation takes place. Thus, theregions illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and theirshapes are not intended to illustrate the actual shape of a region of adevice and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art. It will be further understood that terms,such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should beinterpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning inthe context of the relevant art and this specification and will not beinterpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly sodefined herein.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, or as is apparent from thediscussion, terms such as “processing” or “computing” or “calculating”or “determining” or “displaying” or the like, refer to the action andprocesses of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device,that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical, electronicquantities within the computer system's registers and memories intoother data similarly represented as physical quantities within thecomputer system memories or registers or other such information storage,transmission or display devices.

As disclosed herein, the term “storage medium”, “computer readablestorage medium” or “non-transitory computer readable storage medium,”may represent one or more devices for storing data, including read onlymemory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic RAM, core memory,magnetic disk storage mediums, optical storage mediums, flash memorydevices and/or other tangible machine readable mediums for storinginformation. The term “computer-readable medium” may include, but is notlimited to, portable or fixed storage devices, optical storage devices,and various other mediums capable of storing, containing or carryinginstruction(s) and/or data.

Furthermore, at least some portions of example embodiments may beimplemented by hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode,hardware description languages, or any combination thereof. Whenimplemented in software, firmware, middleware or microcode, the programcode or code segments to perform the necessary tasks may be stored in amachine or computer readable medium such as a computer readable storagemedium. When implemented in software, processor(s), processingcircuit(s), or processing unit(s) may be programmed to perform thenecessary tasks, thereby being transformed into special purposeprocessor(s) or computer(s).

When the terms “about” or “substantially” are used in this specificationin connection with a numerical value, it is intended that the associatednumerical value include a tolerance of ±10% around the stated numericalvalue. The expression “up to” includes amounts of zero to the expressedupper limit and all values there between. When ranges are specified, therange includes all values there between such as increments of 0.1%.Moreover, when the words “generally” and “substantially” are used inconnection with geometric shapes, it is intended that precision of thegeometric shape is not required but that latitude for the shape iswithin the scope of the disclosure.

According to some example embodiments of the inventive concepts avapor-generating system (also called an “aerosol-generating system”) mayinclude a cartridge, a vapor-generating device (also called an“aerosol-generating device”) and a piercing element. The cartridge mayinclude a cartridge housing, a solid vapor-forming substrate (alsocalled a “solid aerosol-forming substrate”) and a liquid vapor-formingsubstrate (also called a “liquid aerosol-forming substrate”) eachpositioned within the cartridge housing, and a frangible seal. Thevapor-generating device may include a device housing defining a cavityconfigured to receive the cartridge, an electric heater, a power supplyand a controller configured to control a supply of electrical power fromthe power supply to the electric heater. The piercing element isconfigured to pierce the frangible seal when the cavity receives thecartridge. The electric heater is positioned externally from thepiercing element.

As used herein, the term “vapor-forming substrate” (also called an“aerosol-forming substrate”) is used to describe a substrate capable ofreleasing volatile compounds, which can form a vapor. The vaporsgenerated from vapor-forming substrates of vapor-generating systemsaccording to the inventive concepts may be visible or invisible and mayinclude vapors (for example, fine particles of substances, which are ina gaseous state, that are ordinarily liquid or solid at roomtemperature) as well as gases and liquid droplets of condensed vapors.

Vapor-generating systems according to the some example embodiments mayenable simultaneous replacement of a solid vapor-forming substrate and aliquid vapor-forming substrate by providing both substrates in a singlecartridge. Advantageously, this may simplify use of the vapor-generatingsystem for an adult vaper when compared to known devices in which atobacco-based substrate and a nicotine solution may be replaced orreplenished separately.

Providing a solid vapor-forming substrate and a liquid vapor-formingsubstrate in a single cartridge may simplify replenishment of the liquidvapor-forming substrate when compared to known devices in which an adultvaper may be required to refill a reservoir forming part of the deviceitself. Simplifying replenishment of the liquid vapor-forming substratemay advantageously enable a reduction in the amount of liquidvapor-forming substrate provided in the cartridge when compared to theamount of liquid vapor-forming substrate provided in known devices.Advantageously, this may allow vapor-generating systems according to thesome example embodiments to be smaller than known devices.

Vapor-generating systems according to the some example embodimentsprovide an electric heater that is separate from the cartridge.Advantageously, this may reduce the cost and simplify the manufacture ofthe cartridge when compared to known devices in which a heater and aliquid vapor-forming substrate are combined into a single part(“element”) of a vapor-generating device. Advantageously, providing anelectric heater that is separate from the cartridge may enable cleaningof the electric heater, which may enable use of the electric heater withmultiple cartridges. The electric heater may form an integral part ofthe vapor-generating device. The electric heater may be separable fromthe vapor-generating device, for example to enable cleaning orreplacement of the electric heater.

Advantageously, providing the cartridge with a frangible seal may reduceor prevent the loss of volatile compounds from one or both of the solidvapor-forming substrate and the liquid vapor-forming substrate.Advantageously, the piercing element may automatically pierce thefrangible seal when the cartridge is inserted into the cavity of thevapor-generating device for use.

The electric heater is positioned (“located”) externally from thepiercing element. That is, the electric heater is not positioned insidethe piercing element. Advantageously, positioning the electric heateroutside of the piercing element may enable cleaning of the electricheater.

In some example embodiments, the vapor-generating system may comprise atleast one airflow inlet and at least one airflow outlet. During use, airflows through the vapor-generating system along a flow path from theairflow inlet to the airflow outlet. Air flows along the flow path froman upstream end of the flow path at the airflow inlet to a downstreamend of the flow path at the airflow outlet. In some example embodiments,the vapor-generating system may be configured so that, in use, the solidvapor-generating substrate is positioned downstream of the liquidvapor-generating substrate.

The piercing element may have an elongate shape. The piercing elementmay comprise a hollow portion that defines an airflow passage throughthe piercing element. The piercing element may be solid.

The piercing element may comprise a shaft portion and a piercing portionat an end of the shaft portion. In some example embodiments in which thepiercing element comprises a hollow portion, one or both of the piercingportion and the shaft portion may be hollow.

In some example embodiments, the piercing portion may have a first endconnected to the shaft portion and a second end opposite the first end,wherein a cross-sectional area of the piercing portion decreases in size(“area”) in a direction from the first end to the second end. In someexample embodiments, the second end of the piercing portion may form apoint. Advantageously, providing the second end of the piercing portionwith a small cross-sectional area may reduce the force required topierce the frangible seal.

The piercing element may form part of the vapor-generating device. Thepiercing element may extend from an end wall of the cavity, the piercingelement extending into the cavity. Advantageously, providing thepiercing element inside the cavity may reduce the risk of an adult vapercontacting the piercing element.

The electric heater may be provided (“located”) on an outer surface ofthe piercing element. Advantageously, the piercing element may supportthe electric heater. The electric heater may comprise a resistiveheating coil wound around a portion of the piercing element. In someexample embodiments in which the piercing element comprises a shaftportion and a piercing portion, the resistive heating coil may be woundaround part of the shaft portion.

The vapor-generating device may comprise a liquid transfer element. Theliquid transfer element is configured to contact the liquidvapor-forming substrate when the cartridge is received within thecavity. The liquid transfer element may be configured to contact theliquid vapor-forming substrate based on the device housing at leastpartially receiving the cartridge into the cavity. The liquid transferelement may enable contact between the liquid vapor-forming substrateand the electric heater during use. In some example embodiments, theliquid transfer element may be positioned in direct contact with theelectric heater.

The liquid transfer element may form (“comprise”) the piercing element.

In some example embodiments in which vapor-generating device includesthe piercing element, the liquid transfer element may be providedadjacent the piercing element. The piercing element may extend throughthe liquid transfer element.

The vapor-generating device may comprise a base plate positioned withinthe cavity, wherein the electric heater is positioned on the base plateand wherein the piercing element extends from the base plate. Thepiercing element may extend from the base plate into the cavity. Thebase plate may be formed integrally with the piercing element. Thepiercing element may extend from a first side of the base plate. Theelectric heater may be positioned on a second side of the base plate. Insome example embodiments, the base plate may comprise at least oneaperture for the transfer of liquid vapor-forming substrate through thebase plate when the cartridge is received within the cavity. In someexample embodiments in which the vapor-generating device comprises aliquid transfer element, the liquid transfer element may be positionedon the base plate. The liquid transfer element may be positioned on thefirst side of the base plate. The piercing element may extend throughthe liquid transfer element.

The piercing element may form part of the cartridge. The piercingelement may be configured to slide within the cartridge relative to thefrangible seal when the cavity receives the cartridge. The piercingelement may be configured to slide within the cartridge housing interiorrelative to the frangible seal. The cartridge may comprise a base plateand the piercing element extending from the base plate toward acartridge interior. The base plate may be formed integrally with thepiercing element. In some example embodiments, the base plate maycomprise at least one aperture for the transfer of liquid vapor-formingsubstrate through the base plate when the cartridge is received withinthe cavity. In some example embodiments, the vapor-generating system maybe configured so that part of the vapor-generating device acts upon thebase plate when the cavity receives the cartridge. The vapor-generatingsystem may be configured so that the electric heater acts upon the baseplate when the cavity receives the cartridge. In some exampleembodiments in which the vapor-generating device comprises a liquidtransfer element, the vapor-generating system may be configured so thatthe liquid transfer element acts upon the base plate when the cavityreceives the cartridge.

In some example embodiments, the cartridge may comprise a liquid storagehousing positioned within the cartridge housing, wherein the liquidvapor-forming substrate is positioned within the liquid storage housingand wherein the frangible seal is provided on the liquid storagehousing. In some example embodiments, the frangible seal may be providedon an upstream end of the liquid storage housing.

In some example embodiments, the liquid storage housing may be retainedwithin the cartridge housing by an interference fit.

In some example embodiments, an outer surface of the liquid storagehousing may be shaped to define an airflow channel between the cartridgehousing and the liquid storage housing when the liquid storage housingis received within the cartridge housing. The outer surface of theliquid storage housing may comprise a groove to define the airflowchannel when the liquid storage housing is received within the cartridgehousing.

The liquid storage housing may be tubular. The tubular liquid storagehousing may have an open upstream end and a closed downstream end. Insome example embodiments, the frangible seal may extend across the openupstream end.

The cartridge may comprise a porous carrier material positioned(“located”) externally from the liquid storage housing and locatedadjacent the frangible seal. Advantageously, the liquid vapor-formingsubstrate may be absorbed into the porous carrier material when thepiercing element pierces the frangible seal. Advantageously, the porouscarrier material may substantially prevent liquid vapor-formingsubstrate leaking from the vapor-generating system when the piercingelement pierces the frangible seal.

The porous carrier material may be retained in the cartridge housing byan interference fit. The porous carrier material may be provided in aporous carrier material housing, wherein the porous carrier materialhousing is retained in the cartridge housing by an interference fit.

The porous carrier material may be attached to the upstream end of theliquid storage housing.

In some example embodiments, in which the cartridge includes thepiercing element, the piercing element may extend through the porouscarrier material. In some example embodiments in which cartridgecomprises a base plate, the porous carrier material may be positionedbetween the base plate and the liquid storage housing.

In some example embodiments in which the vapor-generating devicecomprises a liquid transfer element, the vapor-generating system may beconfigured so that the liquid transfer element contacts the porouscarrier material when the cartridge is received within the cavity.

The porous carrier material may have an annular shape defining a passagethrough the porous carrier material. In some example embodiments, thevapor-generating system is configured so that the piercing elementextends through the passage when the cartridge is received within thecavity. This may be particularly advantageous in some exampleembodiments in which the vapor-generating device comprises a liquidtransfer element that forms the piercing element. Providing a passageextending through the porous carrier material may reduce the forcerequired to push the piercing element through the porous carriermaterial.

The vapor-generating system may be configured so that the porous carriermaterial is compressed when the cavity receives the cartridge. In someexample embodiments in which the vapor-generating system comprises abase plate, the base plate may exert a force on the porous carriermaterial when the cartridge is received within the cavity.

The cartridge may comprise an airflow channel positioned between theporous carrier material and the cartridge housing. In some exampleembodiments in which the porous carrier material is provided in a porouscarrier material housing, the airflow channel may be positioned betweenthe porous carrier material housing and the cartridge housing.

The porous carrier material may comprise any suitable material orcombination of materials which is permeable to the liquid vapor-formingsubstrate and allows the liquid vapor-forming substrate to migratethrough the porous carrier material. In some example embodiments, thematerial or combination of materials may be inert with respect to theliquid vapor-forming substrate. The porous carrier material may or maynot be a capillary material. The porous carrier material may comprise ahydrophilic material to improve distribution and spread of the liquidvapor-forming substrate. This may assist with consistent vaporformation. The particular preferred material or materials will depend onthe physical properties of the liquid vapor-forming substrate. Examplesof suitable materials are a capillary material, for example a sponge orfoam material, ceramic- or graphite-based materials in the form offibers or sintered powders, a foamed metal or plastics material, afibrous material, for example made of spun or extruded fibers, such ascellulose acetate, polyester, or bonded polyolefin, polyethylene,terylene or polypropylene fibers, nylon fibers or ceramic. The porouscarrier material may have any suitable porosity so as to be used withdifferent liquid physical properties.

In some example embodiments in which the vapor-generating devicecomprises a liquid transfer element, the liquid transfer element maycomprise any suitable material or combination of materials which is ableto convey the liquid vapor-forming substrate along its length. Theliquid transfer element may be formed from a porous material, but thisneed not be the case. The liquid transfer element may be formed from amaterial having a fibrous or spongy structure. The liquid transferelement in some example embodiments may comprise a bundle ofcapillaries. For example, the liquid transfer element may comprise aplurality of fibers or threads or other fine bore tubes. The liquidtransfer element may comprise sponge-like or foam-like material. In someexample embodiments, the structure of the liquid transfer element mayform (“comprise”) a plurality of small bores or tubes, through which theliquid vapor-forming substrate can be transported by capillary action.The particular preferred material or materials will depend on thephysical properties of the liquid vapor-forming substrate. Examples ofsuitable capillary materials include a sponge or foam material, ceramic-or graphite-based materials in the form of fibers or sintered powders,foamed metal or plastics material, a fibrous material, for example madeof (“comprise”) spun or extruded fibers, such as cellulose acetate,polyester, or bonded polyolefin, polyethylene, terylene or polypropylenefibers, nylon fibers, ceramic, glass fibers, silica glass fibers, carbonfibers, metallic fibers of medical grade stainless steel alloys such asaustenitic 316 stainless steel and martensitic 440 and 420 stainlesssteels. The liquid transfer element may have any suitable capillarity soas to be used with different liquid physical properties. The liquidvapor-forming substrate has physical properties, including but notlimited to viscosity, surface tension, density, thermal conductivity,boiling point and vapor pressure, which allow the liquid vapor-formingsubstrate to be transported through the liquid transfer element. Theliquid transfer element may be formed from (“may comprise”)heat-resistant material. The liquid transfer element may comprise aplurality of fibers strands. The plurality of fibers strands may begenerally aligned along a length of the liquid transfer element.

In some example embodiments in which the vapor-generating systemcomprises a porous carrier material and a liquid transfer element, theporous carrier material and the liquid transfer element may comprise thesame material. In some example embodiments, the porous carrier materialand the liquid transfer element may comprise different materials.

The piercing element may be formed from any suitable material. In someexample embodiments in which a liquid transfer element forms thepiercing element, the piercing element may be formed from any suitablematerial described herein with respect to the liquid transfer element.

The piercing element may be formed from a metal. The piercing elementmay be formed from a plastic. Suitable materials include, but are notlimited to, aluminum, stainless steel, polyether ether ketone (PEEK),polyimides, such as Kapton®, polyethylene terephthalate (PET),polyethylene (PE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP),polystyrene (PS), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP),polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyoxymethylene (POM), epoxy resins,polyurethane resins, vinyl resins, liquid crystal polymers (LCP) andmodified LCPs, such as LCPs with graphite or glass fibers.

The frangible seal may extend across an opening defined by the cartridgehousing or, where present, the liquid storage housing. The frangibleseal may extend across an end of the cartridge housing or an end of theliquid storage housing. The frangible seal may be secured to thecartridge housing or the liquid storage housing about a periphery of thefrangible seal. The frangible seal may be secured to the cartridgehousing or the liquid storage housing by at least one of an adhesive anda weld, such as an ultrasonic weld. The frangible seal is in someexample embodiments formed from a sheet material. The sheet material maycomprise at least one of a polymeric film and a metallic foil.

The electric heater may comprise a resistive heating coil. The pitch ofthe coil is in some example embodiments between about 0.5 millimetersand about 1.5 millimeters. In some Example embodiments the pitch of thecoil is about 1.5 millimeters. The pitch of the coil means the spacingbetween adjacent turns of the coil. The coil may comprise fewer than sixturns. In some example embodiments the coil may comprise fewer than fiveturns. The coil may be formed from (e.g., may comprise) an electricallyresistive wire having a diameter of between about 0.10 millimeters andabout 0.15 millimeters. In some example embodiments the coil may beformed from an electrically resistive wire having a diameter of about0.125 millimeters. The electrically resistive wire is in some exampleembodiments formed of 904 or 301 stainless steel. Examples of othersuitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum and metals fromthe platinum group. Examples of other suitable metal alloys include,Constantan, nickel-, cobalt-, chromium-, aluminum-titanium-zirconium-,hafnium-, niobium-, molybdenum-, tantalum-, tungsten-, tin-, gallium-,manganese- and iron-containing alloys, and super-alloys based on nickel,iron, cobalt, stainless steel, Timetal®, iron-aluminum based alloys andiron-manganese-aluminum based alloys. The resistive heating coil mayalso comprise a metal foil, such as an aluminum foil, which is providedin the form of a ribbon.

The electric heater may comprise a resistive heating mesh. A resistiveheating mesh may be advantageous in some example embodiments in whichthe electric heater is provided on a base plate.

The resistive heating mesh may comprise a plurality of electricallyconductive filaments. The electrically conductive filaments may besubstantially flat. As used herein, “substantially flat” means formed ina single plane and not wrapped around or otherwise conformed to fit acurved or other non-planar shape. A flat heating mesh can be easilyhandled during manufacture and provides for a robust construction.

The electrically conductive filaments may define interstices between thefilaments and the interstices may have a width of between about 10micrometers and about 100 micrometers. In some example embodiments thefilaments may give rise to capillary action in the interstices, so thatin use, liquid vapor-forming substrate is drawn into the interstices,increasing the contact area between the heater assembly and the liquid.

The electrically conductive filaments may form a mesh of size betweenabout 160 Mesh US and about 600 Mesh US (+/−10%) (that is, between about160 and about 600 filaments per inch (+/−10%)). The width of theinterstices may be between about 75 micrometers and about 25micrometers. The percentage of open area of the mesh, which is the ratioof the area of the interstices to the total area of the mesh, is in someexample embodiments between about 25 percent and about 56 percent. Themesh may be formed using different types of weave or lattice structures.The electrically conductive filaments may be an array of filamentsarranged parallel to one another.

The electrically conductive filaments may have a diameter of betweenabout 8 micrometers and about 100 micrometers. In some exampleembodiments the between about 8 micrometers and about 50 micrometers. Inother example embodiments electrically conductive filaments may have adiameter between about 8 micrometers and about 39 micrometers.

The resistive heating mesh may cover an area of less than or equal toabout 25 square millimeters. The resistive heating mesh may berectangular. The resistive heating mesh may be square. The resistiveheating mesh may have dimensions of about 5 millimeters by about 2millimeters.

The electrically conductive filaments may comprise any suitableelectrically conductive material. Suitable materials include but are notlimited to: semiconductors such as doped ceramics, electrically“conductive” ceramics (such as, for example, molybdenum disilicide),carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys and composite materials made of aceramic material and a metallic material. Such composite materials maycomprise doped or undoped ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramicsinclude doped silicon carbides. Examples of suitable metals includetitanium, zirconium, tantalum and metals from the platinum group.Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, constantan,nickel-, cobalt-, chromium-, aluminum-titanium-zirconium-, hafnium-,niobium-, molybdenum-, tantalum-, tungsten-, tin-, gallium-, manganese-and iron-containing alloys, and super-alloys based on nickel, iron,cobalt, stainless steel, Timetal®, iron-aluminum based alloys andiron-manganese-aluminum based alloys. Timetal® is a registered trademark of Titanium Metals Corporation. The filaments may be coated withone or more insulators. In some example embodiments the materials forthe electrically conductive filaments are 304, 316, 304L, and 316Lstainless steel, and graphite.

The electrical resistance of the resistive heating mesh is, in someexample embodiments, between about 0.3 and about 4 Ohms. In some exampleembodiments the electrical resistance of the mesh may be between about0.5 and about 3 Ohms. In other example embodiments the electricalresistance of the mesh may be about 1 Ohm.

The cartridge housing is, in some example embodiments, tubular and mayinclude an upstream end and a downstream end. In some exampleembodiments, the solid vapor-forming substrate may be positioned withinthe downstream end. In some example embodiments, the liquidvapor-forming substrate may be positioned within the upstream end. Wherepresent, the liquid storage housing and the porous carrier material maybe located within the upstream end of the cartridge housing.

The solid vapor-forming substrate may be retained in the cartridgehousing by an interference fit.

The cartridge may comprise a filter positioned downstream of the solidvapor-forming substrate. The filter may comprise a plug of filtermaterial positioned within the downstream end of the cartridge housing.The plug of filter material may be retained within the cartridge housingby an interference fit. The filter may comprise a sheet materialextending across a downstream opening of the cartridge housing. Thesheet material may comprise a mesh. The sheet material may be secured tothe cartridge housing by at least one of an adhesive and a weld, such asan ultrasonic weld. The filter may retain the solid vapor-formingsubstrate in the cartridge housing.

The vapor-generating system may comprise a mouthpiece (“outletassembly”). In some example embodiments in which the vapor-generatingsystem comprises at least one airflow outlet, the outlet assembly mayinclude the at least one airflow outlet. The outlet assembly may form(“comprise”) part of the cartridge. The outlet assembly may form part ofthe vapor-generating device. The outlet assembly may be formedseparately from the cartridge and the vapor-generating device, whereinat least one of the cartridge and the vapor-generating device isconfigured to receive (“engage with,” “couple with,” etc.) the outletassembly.

The solid vapor-forming substrate may comprise tobacco. The solidvapor-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material (alsocalled a “tobacco material”) containing volatile tobacco flavorcompounds which are released from the substrate upon heating.

In some example embodiments, a tobacco material may include materialfrom any member of the genus Nicotiana. In some example embodiments, thetobacco material includes a blend of two or more different tobaccovarieties. Examples of suitable types of tobacco materials that may beused include, but are not limited to, flue-cured tobacco, Burleytobacco, Maryland tobacco, Oriental tobacco, rare tobacco, specialtytobacco, dark tobacco, blends thereof and the like. The tobacco materialmay be provided in any suitable form, including, but not limited to,tobacco lamina, processed tobacco materials, such as volume expanded orpuffed tobacco, processed tobacco stems, such as cut-rolled orcut-puffed stems, reconstituted tobacco materials, blends thereof, andthe like. In some example embodiments, the tobacco material is in theform of a substantially dry tobacco mass.

The solid vapor-forming substrate may comprise tobacco containingdeprotonated nicotine. Deprotonating the nicotine within tobacco mayadvantageously increase the volatility of the nicotine. Nicotine may bedeprotonated by subjecting the tobacco to an alkalizing treatment.

The solid vapor-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco material.The solid vapor-forming substrate may comprise tobacco-containingmaterial and non-tobacco containing material.

The solid vapor-forming substrate may include at least one vapor-former.As used herein, the term ‘vapor former’ (also called ‘aerosol former’)is used to describe any suitable known compound or mixture of compoundsthat, in use, enables formation of a vapor. Suitable vapor-formersinclude, but are not limited to: polyhydric alcohols, such as propyleneglycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol and glycerine; esters ofpolyhydric alcohols, such as glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate; andaliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyldodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate.

Vapor formers may be polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof, such aspropylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol and, mostpreferred, glycerine.

The solid vapor-forming substrate may comprise a single vapor former. Insome example embodiments, the solid vapor-forming substrate may comprisea combination of two or more vapor formers.

The solid vapor-forming substrate may have a vapor former content ofgreater than 5 percent on a dry weight basis.

The solid vapor-forming substrate may have a vapor former content ofbetween approximately 5 percent and approximately 30 percent on a dryweight basis.

The solid vapor-forming substrate may have a vapor former content ofapproximately 20 percent on a dry weight basis.

The liquid vapor-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containingmaterial comprising volatile tobacco flavor compounds which are releasedfrom the liquid upon heating. The liquid vapor-forming substrate maycomprise a non-tobacco material. The liquid vapor-forming substrate mayinclude water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts and natural orartificial flavors. In some example embodiments, the liquidvapor-forming substrate may comprise a vapor former. Suitable vaporformers include polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof, such aspropylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol and glycerine.

The liquid vapor-forming substrate may comprise nicotine.

The liquid vapor-forming substrate may be free from nicotine. In suchembodiments, the vaporized liquid vapor-forming substrate may be drawnthrough the solid vapor-forming substrate during use to strip one ormore volatile compounds from the solid vapor-forming substrate. Thevaporized liquid vapor-forming substrate may strip nicotine from thesolid-vapor-forming substrate. A solid vapor-forming substratecomprising tobacco containing deprotonated nicotine may be particularlysuited to embodiments in which the liquid vapor-forming substrate isfree from nicotine.

At least one of the solid vapor-forming substrate and the liquidvapor-forming substrate may comprise a flavorant. The flavorant mayinclude menthol.

The power supply may comprise a battery. For example, the power supplymay be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery, or alithium based battery, for example a lithium-cobalt, alithium-iron-phosphate or a lithium-polymer battery. The power supplymay, in some example embodiments, be another form of charge storagedevice such as a capacitor. The power supply may require recharging andmay have a capacity that allows for the storage of enough energy for useof the vapor-generating device with more than one cartridge.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a vapor-generating system 10 according to someexample embodiments of the inventive concepts. The vapor-generatingsystem 10 includes a vapor-generating device 12 and a cartridge 14. Thevapor-generating device 12 may comprise a device housing 16 at leastpartially defining a cavity 18, where the cavity 18 is configured toreceive an upstream end of the cartridge 14, for example as shown inFIGS. 2 and 4. Restated, the vapor-generating device 12 and thecartridge 14 are each configured to be coupled with each other, suchthat at least a portion of the cartridge 14 is inserted into the cavity18 (restated, the device housing 16 at least partially receives thecartridge 14 into the cavity 18, the cartridge 14 is at least partiallyreceived into the cavity 18, etc.) and thus the cartridge 14, coupled tothe vapor-generating device 12, is at least partially encompassed by thedevice housing 16 within the cavity 18. FIG. 1 shows the cartridge 14separate from the vapor-generating device 12 and FIG. 2 shows thecartridge 14 coupled with the vapor-generating device 12 such that atleast a portion of the cartridge 14 is received (“inserted”) within thecavity 18 of the vapor-generating device 12.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the vapor-generating system 10.The vapor-generating device 12 comprises an airflow inlet 20 positionedat an upstream end of the device housing 16. A power supply 22 and acontroller 24 are positioned within the upstream end of the devicehousing 16. The vapor-generating device 12 may be configured to supplypower from the power supply 22 to the electric heater 28 (e.g., based onoperations performed by controller 24).

The vapor-generating system 10 further comprises a piercing element 26and an electric heater 28 in the form of a resistive heating coil. Theelectric heater 28 may be positioned (“located”) externally to thepiercing element 26. During use, the controller 24 controls a supply ofelectrical power from the power supply 22 to the electric heater 28. Thepiercing element 26 extends from an upstream end wall 27 of the cavity18 and comprises a shaft portion 32 and a piercing portion 34. As shownin at least FIGS. 3-4, the piercing portion 34 may have a first endconnected to the shaft portion 32 and a second end opposite the firstend, wherein a cross-sectional area of the piercing portion decreases insize (“cross-sectional area”) in a direction from the first end to thesecond end. In some example embodiments, including the exampleembodiments shown in FIGS. 3-4, the second end of the piercing portion34 may form a point. Advantageously, providing the second end of thepiercing portion 34 with a small cross-sectional area may reduce theforce required to pierce the frangible seal 48 by the piercing element26. The device housing 16 may include a housing portion that at leastpartially defines the end wall 27 of the cavity 18. The piercing element26 may extend from the end wall 27 of the cavity 18 into the cavity 18.

As shown in FIGS. 3-4, the electric heater 28 is positioned externallyfrom the piercing element 26, such that the electric heater 28 is notlocated internally with regard to the piercing element 26 (e.g., theelectric heater 28 is not within an interior of the piercing element26). For example, as shown in FIGS. 3-4, the electric heater 28 may aresistive heating coil that is wrapped around a portion (e.g., the shaftportion 32) of the piercing element 26. The piercing element 26 alsoforms a liquid transfer element 30 and is formed from a material thatenables transfer of liquid along the liquid transfer element 30 bycapillary action.

The cartridge 14 may comprise a cartridge housing 36, a solidvapor-forming substrate 38, a liquid vapor-forming substrate 40 and aporous carrier material 41 all positioned within the cartridge housing36. FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of the cartridge 14. The cartridgehousing 36 may at least partially define a cartridge housing interior 36a. The cartridge housing 36 may be configured to hold a solidvapor-forming substrate 38 within the cartridge housing interior 36 a.

The cartridge 14 may include a cartridge housing 36, a liquid storagehousing 44, and a frangible seal 48. The cartridge housing 36 may atleast partially define a cartridge housing interior 36 a, and thecartridge housing 36 may be configured to store a solid vapor-formingsubstrate 38 within the cartridge housing interior 36 a. As shown in atleast FIGS. 2 and 4, the cartridge housing 36 may be further configuredto couple with the device housing 16 of the vapor-generating device 12such that at least a portion of the cartridge 14 is inserted into acavity 18 at least partially defined by the device housing 16 of thevapor-generating device 12. As shown in at least FIG. 3, the liquidstorage housing 44 may be within the cartridge housing 36. The liquidstorage housing 44 may at least partially define a liquid storagehousing interior 44 a. The liquid storage housing 44 may be configuredto store a liquid vapor-forming substrate 40 within the liquid storagehousing interior 44 a. The frangible seal 48 may be on the liquidstorage housing 44, and the frangible seal 48 may at least partiallydefine the liquid storage housing interior 44 a within which liquidvapor-forming substrate 40 may be held. The frangible seal 48 may beconfigured to be pierced by a piercing element 26 to expose the liquidstorage housing interior 44 a (e.g., expose the liquid storage housinginterior 44 a to be in fluid communication with an electric heater 28 ofthe vapor-generating device 12) based on the portion of the cartridge 14being inserted into the cavity 18.

As described further below with reference to FIG. 4, the piercingelement 26 may be configured to pierce the frangible seal 48 of thecartridge 14 to expose the liquid storage housing interior 44 a to be influid communication with the electric heater 28 based on the devicehousing 16 at least partially receiving the cartridge 14 into the cavity18. When the liquid storage housing interior 44 a is thus exposed, theliquid vapor-forming substrate 40 may be released from the liquidforming housing interior 44 a.

The solid vapor-forming substrate 38 comprises a tobacco plug positionedwithin the downstream end of the cartridge housing 36. A mesh filter 42is attached to a downstream end of the cartridge housing 36 to retainthe tobacco plug within the cartridge housing 36.

The liquid vapor-forming substrate 40 is contained within the liquidstorage housing interior 44 a that is at least partially defined by theliquid storage housing 44 retained within the upstream end of thecartridge housing 36 by an interference fit. The upstream end of theliquid storage housing 44 is open and the downstream end of the liquidstorage housing 44 is closed. A frangible seal 48 extends across and issecured to the open upstream end of the liquid storage housing 44. Thus,the frangible seal 48 may at least partially define the liquid storagehousing interior 44 a.

The porous carrier material 41 is positioned within a porous carriermaterial housing 50 retained within the cartridge housing 36 by aninterference fit. The porous carrier material 41 is positioned upstreamof the liquid storage housing 44. The porous carrier material housing 50is open at both ends so that the downstream end of the porous carriermaterial 41 contacts the frangible seal 48. Restated, the porous carriermaterial 41 is located externally from the liquid storage housing 44 andthe porous carrier material 41 is located adjacent the frangible seal48. The porous carrier material 41 has an annular shape and defines apassage 54 through the porous carrier material 41.

Planar side walls 52 of the liquid storage housing 44 and the porouscarrier material housing 50 are spaced apart from the inner surface ofthe cartridge housing 36 to define an airflow passage 53 between thecartridge housing 36 and each of the liquid storage housing 44 and theporous carrier material housing 50.

The downstream end of the cartridge housing 36 forms an outlet assembly56, the outlet assembly 56 defining an airflow outlet 58 of thevapor-generating system 10.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the vapor-generating system 10after the cartridge 14 has been inserted into the cavity 18 of thevapor-generating device 12. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, thevapor-generating device 12 may be configured to couple with thecartridge 14 such that the device housing 16 at least partially receivesthe cartridge 14 into the cavity 18, also referred to herein as thecartridge 14 being inserted into the cavity 18. When the cartridge 14 isinserted into the cavity 18, the piercing element 26 may pierce thefrangible seal 48 to thus expose the liquid storage housing interior 44a to be in fluid communication with the cavity 18, and thus with theelectric heater 28. As a result of the liquid storage housing interior44 a being exposed to being in fluid communication with the cavity 18,liquid vapor-forming substrate 40 held in the liquid storage housinginterior 44 a may be released from the liquid storage housing interior44 a based on the piercing element 26 piercing the frangible seal 48.The piercing element 26 may be a liquid transfer element 30 configuredto contact the liquid vapor-forming substrate 40 based on the devicehousing 16 at least partially receiving the cartridge 14 into the cavity18 such that the piercing element 26 pierces the frangible seal 48. Theliquid vapor-forming substrate released from the liquid storage housinginterior 44 a may be absorbed into the porous carrier material 41. Thepiercing element 26 also functions as a liquid transfer element 30,which is received within the passage 54 extending through the porouscarrier material 41. The liquid transfer element 30 transfers liquidvapor-forming substrate 40 from the porous carrier material 41 to theelectric heater 28 where the liquid vapor-forming substrate 40 isvaporized and then drawn out of the vapor-generating system 10 viaairflow outlet 58. When an adult vaper draws on the outlet assembly 56,air is drawn into the vapor-generating system 10 through the airflowinlet 20, through the vapor-generating device 12 and into the cavity 18where vaporized liquid vapor-forming substrate 40 is entrained in theairflow. The airflow then flows through the airflow passage 53 andthrough the solid vapor-forming substrate 38 where further volatilecompounds are entrained in the airflow, and out through the airflowoutlet 58.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show a cross-sectional view of a vapor-generating system100 according to some example embodiments of the inventive concepts. Thevapor-generating system 100 is similar to the vapor-generating system 10shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, and like reference numerals are used to designatelike parts.

The vapor-generating system 100 comprises a cartridge 114 that issubstantially the same as cartridge 14 described with reference to FIG.5, except for the porous carrier material 141. In particular, the porouscarrier material does not comprise a passage extending through theporous carrier material 141.

The vapor-generating system 100 comprises a vapor-generating device 112that is similar to the vapor-generating device 12 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4.The vapor-generating device 112 comprises a base plate 127 mountedwithin the cavity 18 and a piercing element 126 extending from a firstside of the base plate 127. A liquid transfer element 130 is alsoprovided on the first side of the base plate 127 and thus is on the baseplate, the piercing element 126 extending through the liquid transferelement 130. The piercing element 126 may extend from the base plate 127into the cavity 18. An electric heater 128 in the form of a resistivemesh heater is positioned on a second side of the base plate 127 andthus is on the base plate 127. The base plate 127 comprises a pluralityof aperture extending through the base plate 127 to provide fluidcommunication between the liquid transfer element 130 and the electricheater 128. The liquid transfer element 130 is in contact with theelectric heater 128.

FIG. 7 shows the vapor-generating system 100 with the cartridge 114inserted into the cavity 18 of the vapor-generating device 112. When thecartridge 114 is inserted into the cavity 18 the piercing element 126pierces the frangible seal 48, which releases the liquid vapor-formingsubstrate 40 from the liquid storage housing 44. The liquidvapor-forming substrate 40 is then absorbed into the porous carriermaterial 141. The liquid transfer element 130 is configured to contactthe liquid vapor-forming substrate 40 based on the device housing 16 atleast partially receiving the cartridge 114 into the cavity 18. Theliquid transfer element 130 contacts the upstream end of the porouscarrier material 141 and transfers liquid vapor-forming substrate 40from the porous carrier material 141 to the electric heater 28 where itis vaporized. The airflow through the vapor-generating system 100 issubstantially the same as described herein with respect to thevapor-generating system 10 shown in FIG. 4.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show a cross-sectional view of a vapor-generating system200 according to some example embodiments of the inventive concepts. Thevapor-generating system 200 is similar to the vapor-generating system100 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, and like reference numerals are used todesignate like parts.

The vapor-generating system 200 differs by the position of the piercingelement 226, which is provided in the cartridge 214 rather than thevapor-generating device 212. Restated, in some example embodiments,including the example embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-7, thevapor-generating device 12 may include the piercing element 26. In someexample embodiments, including the example embodiments shown in FIGS.8-9, the cartridge 214 may include the piercing element 226.Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 8-9, the cartridge 214 may include a baseplate 227 and a piercing element 226 that extends from the base plate227 into the cartridge housing interior 36 a. As shown in FIG. 8, thepiercing element 226 is pre-inserted into the porous carrier material141. Otherwise, the construction of the vapor-generating system 200 isthe same as the construction of the vapor-generating system 100 shown inFIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 9 shows the vapor-generating system 200 with the cartridge 214inserted into the cavity 18 of the vapor-generating device 212. Thepiercing element 226 may be configured to slide within the cartridgehousing interior 36 a relative to the frangible seal 48. When thecartridge 214 is inserted into the cavity 18 the liquid transfer element130 exerts a force upon the piercing element 226. The force exerted onthe piercing element 226 may slide the piercing element 226 within theporous carrier material housing 50 towards the frangible seal 48 untilthe piercing element 226 pierces the frangible seal 48. The operation ofthe vapor-generating system 200 is then identical to the operation ofthe vapor-generating system 100 of FIGS. 6 and 7.

1. A cartridge for an aerosol-generating system, the cartridgecomprising: a cartridge housing at least partially defining a cartridgehousing interior, the cartridge housing configured to couple with adevice housing of an aerosol-generating device such that at least aportion of the cartridge is inserted into a cavity at least partiallydefined by the device housing of the aerosol-generating device; a liquidstorage housing within the cartridge housing, the liquid storage housingat least partially defining a liquid storage housing interior, theliquid storage housing configured to store a liquid aerosol-formingsubstrate within the liquid storage housing interior; a frangible sealon the liquid storage housing, the frangible seal configured to bepierced by a piercing element to expose the liquid storage housinginterior to be in fluid communication with an electric heater of theaerosol-generating device based on the portion of the cartridge beinginserted into the cavity; an outlet assembly defining an airflow outletof the cartridge; and a solid vapor-forming substrate within thecartridge housing, wherein the solid vapor-forming substrate is betweenthe liquid storage housing and the airflow outlet.
 2. The cartridge ofclaim 1, further comprising: a porous carrier material housing withinthe cartridge housing, the porous carrier material housing containing aporous carrier material, wherein the liquid storage housing is betweenthe porous carrier material housing and the solid vapor-formingsubstrate within the cartridge housing, wherein the liquid storagehousing defines an open enclosure having an open first end that isdistal to the solid vapor-forming substrate, and a closed second endthat is proximate to the solid vapor-forming substrate, and wherein thefrangible seal extends across the open first end of the liquid storagehousing and is secured to the open first end of the liquid storagehousing, such that the frangible seal at least partially defines theliquid storage housing interior, and wherein the porous carrier materialhousing is open at opposite ends so that an end of the porous carriermaterial that is proximate to the liquid storage housing contacts thefrangible seal.
 3. The cartridge of claim 2, wherein the liquid storagehousing and the porous carrier material housing each have planar sidewalls that are spaced apart from an inner surface of the cartridgehousing to define an airflow passage between the cartridge housing andeach of the liquid storage housing and the porous carrier materialhousing.
 4. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the solid vapor-formingsubstrate includes a tobacco plug.
 5. The cartridge of claim 4, furthercomprising: a mesh filter that is attached to a downstream end of thecartridge housing to retain the tobacco plug within the cartridgehousing, such that the mesh filter is between the tobacco plug and theairflow outlet.
 6. The cartridge according to claim 1, furthercomprising the piercing element.
 7. The aerosol-generating systemaccording to claim 6, wherein the piercing element is configured toslide within the cartridge housing interior relative to the frangibleseal .
 8. An aerosol-generating system comprising: the cartridge ofclaim 1; an aerosol-generating device including, a device housing atleast partially defining a cavity, the aerosol-generating deviceconfigured to couple with the cartridge such that the device housing atleast partially receives the cartridge into the cavity, an electricheater, and a power supply, the aerosol-generating device configured tosupply power from the power supply to the electric heater; and apiercing element configured to pierce the frangible seal of thecartridge to expose the liquid storage housing interior to be in fluidcommunication with the electric heater based on the device housing atleast partially receiving the cartridge into the cavity, wherein theelectric heater is located externally from the piercing element.
 9. Theaerosol-generating system according claim 8, wherein the piercingelement includes a shaft portion, and a piercing portion at an end ofthe shaft portion.
 10. The aerosol-generating system according to claim9, wherein the piercing portion has a first end and a second end, thefirst end connected to the shaft portion and the second end opposite thefirst end, and the piercing portion decreases in cross-sectional area ina direction from the first end to the second end.
 11. Theaerosol-generating system according to claim 8, wherein theaerosol-generating device includes the piercing element.
 12. Theaerosol-generating system according to claim 11, wherein the devicehousing includes a housing portion at least partially defining an endwall of the cavity, and the piercing element extends from the end wallof the cavity into the cavity.
 13. The aerosol-generating systemaccording to claim 12, wherein the electric heater is on an outersurface of the piercing element.
 14. The aerosol-generating systemaccording to claim 13, wherein the electric heater includes a resistiveheating coil wound around a portion of the piercing element.
 15. Theaerosol-generating system according to claim 12, wherein the piercingelement is a liquid transfer element configured to contact the liquidaerosol-forming substrate based on the device housing at least partiallyreceiving the cartridge into the cavity.
 16. The aerosol-generatingsystem according to claim 11, wherein the aerosol-generating deviceincludes a base plate within the cavity, the electric heater is on thebase plate, and the piercing element extends from the base plate intothe cavity.
 17. The aerosol-generating system according to claim 16,further comprising: a liquid transfer element on the base plate and incontact with the electric heater, the liquid transfer element configuredto contact the liquid aerosol-forming substrate based on the devicehousing at least partially receiving the cartridge into the cavity. 18.The aerosol-generating system according to claim 8, wherein thecartridge includes the piercing element.